Taste Radio

During our interview with Hoplark co-founder and CEO Dean Eberhardt, he mentioned that some consumers describe the brand’s HopTea beverages as “naughty.” Eberhardt explained while the hop-infused, zero-calorie teas are non-alcoholic, their resemblance to beer -- in taste and packaging -- might make a person blush if they were to drink one during the day or while driving a car. Amid a growing number of Americans interested in sober-curious lifestyles, Hoplark HopTea has found a receptive audience and loyal following among consumers who’ve adopted the brand as a better-for-you alternative to carbonated alcoholic drinks. The products have also resonated with natural product consumers seeking better-for-you beverages; Hoplark landed a national deal with Whole Foods just 16 months after its debut in 2018. The brand has continued to thrive despite the Covid-19 crisis, during which it has built a burgeoning direct-to-consumer business. As part of a conversation featured in this episode, Eberhardt spoke about the dev